Los Angeles Dodgers 2010 Preview, Predictions & Odds

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Los Angeles Dodgers 2009 MLB Record: 95-67
Los Angeles Dodgers 2009 MLB Home Record: 50-31
Los Angeles Dodgers 2009 MLB Away Record: 45-36

Los Angeles Dodgers 2010 Betting

Los Angeles Dodgers Odds to Win the National League: 9/2
Los Angeles Dodgers Odds to Win the World Series: 14/1

Los Angeles Dodgers 2010 Preview & Prediction

The Dodgers are no doubt a contender, but a mix-and-match starting pitching staff figures to leave them once again looking up at a handful of baseball’s truly elite teams. On his way our the door after signing with the Milwaukee Brewers, veteran Randy Wolf suggested that outside influences were hindering the Dodgers’ chances of fielding a true championship contender. He wasn’t specific, but those influences are believed to be the ongoing saga of divorce proceedings between owners Frank and Jamie McCoun. The Dodgers don’t seem to want to open the checkbook until the court decides if Jamie is an equal owner with her estranged husband. So the Dodgers sit with two-fifths of their rotation vacant, leaving a gaping void that could swallow their World Series dreams for a third consecutive season. The Dodgers figure to have enough to contend in the National League West and could even make it to their third consecutive NLCS. Getting to the World Series, much less winning it, figures to be out of reach at this point.

Los Angeles Dodgers Manager: Joe Torre (28 Seasons) Record: 2246 – 1915

Los Angeles Dodgers 2010 Projected Batting Order: SS Rafael Furcal (S), CF Matt Kemp (R), RF Andre Ethier (L), LF Manny Ramirez (R), 1B James Loney (L), 3B Casey Blake (R), C Russell Marlin (R), 2B Blake DeWitt (L)

Los Angeles Dodgers 2010 Projected Rotation: LH Clayton Kershaw, RH Hiroki Kuroda, RH Chad Billingsley, LH Eric Stults, RH Charlie Haeger

Los Angeles Dodgers 2010 Projected Closer: RH Jonathan Broxton

2010 Los Angeles Dodgers Rotation:

Clayton Kershaw, who will turn 22 just weeks before the start of the 2010 season, is the Dodgers’ eventual ace, and the sooner he embraces the role the better. He went only 8-8 in 2009, but his sparkling ERA of 2.79 (fifth best in the NL) over 171 innings is proof that he has the goods. The left handers biggest problem is his tendency to overthrow his fastball when trouble arises, leading to 91 walks (third most in the NL). Chad Billingsley, 25, was supposed to be the Dodgers’ next ace, but he struggled mightily after the All-Star break with a 3-7 record and a 5.20 ERA. Hiroki Kuroda (8-7, 3.76), 35 when the season starts, lends a veteran presence but only if he can stay healthy. Until the Dodgers can add a veteran starter, like they promise, the group in line for the final two starting spots includes: Eric Stults, Charlie Haeger, Josh Lindblom, James McDonald, Scott Elbert and Rule 5 pickup Carlos Monasterios.

2009-2010 Los Angeles Dodgers Bullpen:

The Dodgers’ bullpen was one of the best in the NL last season. Jonathan Broxton (36 saves with 114 strikeouts in 76 innings) can be as good as they come in the closer role. His personality leans toward introverted, though, which might explain his struggles in high profile save situations like those in the playoffs each of the last two seasons. George Sherrill was everything the Dodgers could have wanted from a setup man last season, until the postseason arrived. Hard-throwing right handers Ronald Belisario and Ramon Troncoso were revelations. If left hander HongChili Kuo can stay healthy – a huge if – opponents hardly stand a chance. Shoulder problems led to inconsistencies for Cory Wade.

2010 Los Angeles Dodgers Middle Infield:

Orlando Hudson was an All-Star for the Dodgers at second base, but late-season acquisition Ronnie Belliard was the hot hand who started in the postseason. Neither is expected back, meaning that Blake DeWitt is once again in line to be the starter at second. But he was supposed to get that job in 2009 before Hudson was signed at the last minute. DeWitt struggled in limit~d major league action last season and wasn’t much better in winter ball. Shortstop Rafael Furcal will be one year further away from 2008 back surgery – which is a small reason for optimism. He batted only .269 in 2009, but it was a promising sign to see that six of his 12 stolen bases came over the final three weeks of the season. Still, those 12 steals were the lowest number of his career when playing a full season.

2010 Los Angeles Dodgers Corners:

First baseman James Loney and third baseman Casey Blake were steady contributors all season, but neither carried the team for any significant stretch. Loney is well above average defensively but is far below what was projected of him in the power department. He hit 13 home runs in 2009, and when he went deep Sept. 19 against the San Francisco Giants, it was his first regular-season home run at Dodger Stadium in nearly 13 months. Possibly showing his age, Blake, 36, batted only .221 in August and battled through multiple hamstring injuries all season to both legs. He did, however, play some of the best defense of his career in 2009.

2010 Los Angeles Dodgers Outfield:

Where Manny Ramirez was once the talk of this group, Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier are the outfielders who sell tickets now. Ramirez activated a $20 million player option for 2010, $5 million less than last season. The Dodgers, though, are expecting more. The left fielder went through a 50-game drug suspension, and he never was able to get on one of his patented torrid offensive stretches. The Dodgers gave him the benefit of the doubt, saying that his two months away from the team prevented him from finding consistency. He’ll have no such excuse in 2010. Ethier blossomed with 31 home runs, 106 RBI’s, six walk-off hits, including four walk-off homers, and some steady play in right field. The Dodgers would like to see Ethier improve his .272 batting average that was as low as .247 at mid season. Kemp, though, appears to be a better MVP candidate. His growth continued last season with a Gold Glove for his play in center field along with an impressive offensive showing. Kemp batted .297 with 26 home runs, 101 RBI’s and 34 steals, just missing out on becoming the first Dodger to hit .300 with 25 home runs, 100 RBI’s and 30 steals in the same season.

2010 Los Angeles Dodgers Catching:

Speculation about diminished strength and reduced bat speed dogged Russell Martin in 2009 to the point where the catcher addressed the issue late in the season by saying he has never taken banned substances. There is no denying that his offensive numbers decreased dramatically, as his .250 batting average, seven home runs and 53 RBI’s were easily career lows. As recently as 2007, Martin batted .293 with 19 homers and 87 RBI’s To his credit, he did not allow his offensive struggles to affect him on defense. Dodgers pitchers had a 3.36 ERA with Martin behind the plate, the best such mark of the catcher’s career. He also threw out 31 percent of base stealers, up from 25 percent in 2008.

2010 Los Angeles Dodgers Bench:

Veteran leadership was the calling card of the Dodgers’ 2009 crop of reserves, an identity that will be hard to replicate in 2010. An entirely new group of backup players is expected to sit alongside manager Joe Torre during the upcoming season. Gone are veterans like Juan Castro, Mark Loretta and Jim Thome. Juan Pierre, who filled in admirably during Ramirez’s suspension, also has bid farewell, leaving the team without another dependable player with experience. The Dodgers are trying to get backup catcher Brad Ausmus to return. Doug Mientkiewicz will have to earn his way as a non-roster invitee to spring training. Chin-lung Hu could get a spot as a backup middle infielder.

Los Angeles Dodgers 2010 Season Predictions

We predict that the Los Angeles Dodgers will finish 1st in the NL West Division .

Los Angeles Dodgers 5-Year Win Trend

2009: 1st NL West 95
2008: 1st NL West 84
2007: 4th NL West 82
2006: T-1 st NL West 88
2005: 4th NL West 71

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